FLINT TOWNSHIP, MI -- U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee recently introduced an amendment that would allow more funding for Michigan residents to buy more fresh produce.

The amendment, according to a press release, would provide an additional $5 million a year to implement or expand food incentive programs, such as Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, to encourage the consumption of locally-grown produce and allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to maximize their food assistance benefits.

The goal would be to allow more purchasing power for Michigan residents to buy healthy, fresh and Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets across the state.

Kildee proposed this amendment as part of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act. The amendment would decrease the adjusted gross income level for price stabilization and conservation programs from $950,000 to $750,000 to offset any cost of the program.

“Since their conception, programs like Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks have been hailed as one of the most effective methods to encourage and promote healthy, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Such food incentive programs, which my amendment would expand, are a win-win for Michigan families, local farmers and our state’s economy,” Kildee said in a written statement. "My amendment would help to increase the value of food stamp dollars spent on locally-grown produce, encourage healthy eating habits and allow Michigan families the opportunity to maximize their food budgets.”